PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his complete service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations. The issues of secondary service connection will also be addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The VA examiner found that the Veteran has occasional depression, sleep impairment including nightmares, difficulty concentrating, some irritability and anger issues, and hypervigilance, which does not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is manifested by symptoms such as depression, sleep disturbance, nightmares, irritability, lack of motivation, and social isolation. This results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but does not cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was denied as he did not provide sufficient information to substantiate his claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left leg disorder and PTSD have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board finds that service-connected PTSD did not cause or contribute substantially to the Veteran's death due to gunshot wounds. The examiner could not conclude without undue speculation that PTSD caused the death or materially contributed to it.

The evidence supports the diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV, and links it to a claimed in-service stressor. The Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are therefore service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on credible evidence of in-service assault and current symptoms consistent with PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The low back disorder was also not related to service.

The case is being remanded to schedule the appellant for a hearing at the Winston-Salem, North Carolina RO before a Veterans Law Judge. The Veteran's claims for service connection for skin disorder and PTSD, as well as TDIU, are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to July 28, 2009 and increased to 70 percent from that date. The increase in rating is effective from the date of a VA examination on July 28, 2009.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including an examination by a VA psychiatrist or psychologist and potential corroboration of the Veteran's claimed stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for a right wrist disability and an initial rating of 30 percent for PTSD from January 7, 2005 through December 18, 2007. The Veteran's current right wrist condition is found to have onset in service or be related to his active military service. His PTSD symptoms are characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, depression and major depressive disorder, and sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's claims for GERD are also addressed.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability compensation to 10 percent due to his incarceration for a felony conviction was proper.

The Veteran's claim remains in appellate status as the RO has granted service connection for PTSD at 30 percent evaluation, effective March 20, 2006. The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran's psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder with alcohol abuse, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board found that the impairment does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened, and further examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition. Additionally, Social Security records related to his PTSD must be obtained.